ites Evelina for the first time to join them for a walk. Evelina notices the change in their attitude toward her and it is all because of the change of status. Sir Clement is another example. He wildly pursues Evelina when she was with the Mirvan’s family, who belong to the gentry. Although he is very straightforward in conveying his passionate love for Evelina, he has treated her with respect and shows good manners that a gentleman pays a lady. However, Sir Clement sees Evelina for the second time and her situation has changed. Sir Clement encounters her with her relatives who, although wealthy, are very vulgar in behavior and notorious. Evelina immediately noticed his change in attitude. To Sir Clement, an alteration of companion seems to “authorize an alteration in manners” of behavior.(Pg. 201) He no longer treats her with respect as he had in the previous encounter and assumes that he is at the liberty to take advantage of her just because she is no longer associating with the upper class. His alteration of manners and opinions towards her lowers her opinion of him. It is stereotypical to believe that people behave certain ways according to their social class. Burney expresses that many factors shape a person’s behavior, such as education and belief. A person’s character may not parallel with social status. Burney is especially fascinated with the idea of vulgarity and provides the reader with the notion that vulgarity is not necessarily a description of the lower class. The libertines, such as Lord Merton, clearly have a very high social standing in society to receive titles of a lord. However his behavior is discourteous and uncultured. Lord Merton gives offensive stares at Evelina during tea. His eyes are fixed upon Evelina as if she is not a lady, but an object to be admired. Evelina describes his behavior as “low bred” and “deficient in manners”(P...
